Location: Wheat Health, Genetics, and Quality Research
Project Number: 2090-22000-019-007-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2022
End Date: Jul 31, 2027
Objective:
The objectives of this cooperative research are to: 1) Determine the biotic and abiotic factors that contribute to the persistence and survival of weed seeds, especially herbicide-resistant seeds, in the soil; 2) Determine the role of mutation, migration, selection and random genetic drift for important traits, including those that confer herbicide resistance, in weed species in cereal-based cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest; 3) Participate in the evaluation of the effect of cropping systems on weed seed populations in intermediate- and long-term field trials; and 4) Collaborate in research and extension efforts to identify and promote management systems and approaches that reduces the risks and production losses from weeds, especially herbicide-resistant weeds.
Approach:
Weed species and seeds will be collected, from intermediate- and long-term field plots and quantified and identified using classical and novel approaches. The effect of biotic factors, such as the soil microbiome, and abiotic factors, such as temperature and soil moisture, on weed seed germination and survival will be determined in greenhouse and field experiments. The occurrence and extent of herbicide resistance in common weeds will be determined by treating plants with commonly used herbicides. The evolutionary mechanisms that facilitate herbicide resistance will be identified using classical and molecular approaches. The effect of various management practices on weeds populations will be determined by isolating and quantifying seeds in the weed seed bank and determining their ability to germinate. The most effective management practices to reduce weed population will be identified.
